The Great Britain XII - April/May 2019

A quick look at shots from 16/17/18 shows the train as 9 + support coach. 14/15 looks to have been 10 (2015 is based on a shot of the 66 on the train north of Shrewsbury ) + support.
2013 looks like 11 + support, my shot of number 9 at Carmont has 12 vehicles in the train.
2012 looks like it was 12 + support, 70013 on the ECML north of York hauling 13 vehicles.
2011 10 + support, 2009 and 2010 also look like both being 10 + support, nb though in 2010 the sections double headed by 45231 and 45407 in Scotland had two support coaches.

Ah well back to the day's real work

 

Looking like it will be the Black Hat vs the Great Britain XII for part of the run in the north and Scotland!

Searching for where to stay and go - any advice on the Stranraer line for spots to aim for?

 

I know that loco allocations in tour adverts must always be taken with a pinch of salt, and this is especially the case for Great Britain tours; I also know that Steam Railway (aka The Beano) often gets this sort of thing wrong, if only because there's several days between closing for press and actually appearing in shops. Therefore, I write this with some caution... The latest issue of the Beano arrive this morning. Tony Streeter, in his Down Main column, says that 60009's current mainline certification runs out on April 5th and, so far, there's no word on whether it's going to be extended. If it's not, then the high-light of GB12 (IMHO), the trip from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, and back, behind 60009, won't happen. I'm sure they'll find a replacement loco (or locos) and any steam to Aberdeen is special, but it won't be quite the same as UoSA's last hurrah on her old racing-ground. The SRPS trip the following weekend will likewise be a little less special. Hopefully, it's just a case of Ian Riley being cautious and playing his cards close to his chest until the insurance inspectors have done their jobs, and all will turn out well...

 

I Love A4's but the Aberdeen trip is an optional add on.
I agree no Locos can be guaranteed and as such I am not sure one day is a highlight to all who booked the whole tour. I do also see it as a special day for me if No. 9 runs.

 

Very interesting, therefore , to have received an email from RTC this morning concerning the re-dated (20th April) Edinburgh Flyer that states
"we now have some limited spaces available in all three classes on board. The train will be steam hauled by 60009 Union of South Africa in both directions."

Maybe the mainline certification is going to be extended, because otherwise the incompatibility of these respective positions is stark. Time for a liberal dose of "Caveat Emptor", methinks.......

 

There's been nothing posted on the 60009 Facebook Site and they are generally good with news of No.9. Hope that's not a bad omen....

 

60009 is currently going through a thorough examination at Bury with the aim of achieving an extension to the boiler 'ticket'. News of the outcome was expected by the end of February.

 

Times for the first four days have appeared on RTT.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55305/2019/04/27/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55040/2019/04/28/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52026/2019/04/29/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52030/2019/04/29/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U05206/2019/04/30/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U05208/2019/04/30/advanced

 

...and associated LE paths for the assisting diesel.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55306/2019/04/27/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52027/2019/04/29/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U05207/2019/04/30/advanced

 

Blimey, NR are eager...! IIRC, the times were coming out days, not a month, before the tour left London!

James

 

No surprises that there's no LE path for day two. Bit of a risk with the cold start up Hemerdon ! Still the prospect of Dainton and Rattery with load 9/10 should make for a great first day !

 

No Hereford set down for the passengers, which was billed in the programme.

 

Day two finishes at Minehead (18:00). Obviously RTT won’t show any more on the WSR in terms of travel... are we expecting a return in the late evening to Bishops Lydeard or are passengers finishing in Minehead and rejoining the tour at Taunton in the morning?

Given the ECS for day three is starting at BL on Monday morning I’m assuming there’s a movement back along the WSR at some point late on Sunday.

 

The hotel was planned as Taunton but I have not seen the final detail yet.

 

On Day 3 there could be an interesting restart if the train is looped at Panteg as its on the 1in95 to Pontypool Road. Well used loop but hope its not a wet day. Still the LE will be behind it if needed.

 

Any route info for Edinburgh - Ayr - Stranraer - Ayr and Ayr - Carlisle - Scarborough days available yet?